Court grants bail to Ooni of Ife ex-wife Naomi Silekunola, following a devastating stampede at a funfair in Ibadan

In a significant legal development from Oyo State, Nigeria, a High Court in Ibadan has granted bail to the ex-wife wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, the owner of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdullahi Fasasi, who were embroiled in legal proceedings following a devastating stampede at a funfair. This incident, which occurred during the 2024 Yuletide season, resulted in the loss of 35 young lives, leading to over three weeks of detention for the accused. The court’s decision to grant bail, after initially rejecting their applications, marks a pivotal moment in a case that has captured national attention, spotlighting issues of event management, public safety, and legal accountability in Nigeria.

They were granted bail by the Oyo State High Court on Monday, following their detention which lasted over three weeks. This came after their initial bail applications were rejected due to various concerns raised by the state government regarding the allegations of their involvement in the stampede that led to the death of 35 children.

Specifically, Oriyomi Hamzat was granted bail for N10 million with the condition of providing two sureties in the same amount. Additionally, there was a unique condition imposed on him that Agidigbo FM, his media organization, must not broadcast any news related to his bail.

The court’s decision followed thorough reviews of the bail applications. The Oyo State Government had filed an 18-count charge against them, including manslaughter, related to the incident at the Christmas funfair. The charges were based on allegations of negligence in providing adequate security and medical facilities during the event

There has been significant public interest and legal debate surrounding this case, with arguments made by the defense about the constitutionality of the detention under a “holding charge,” which they claim is not recognized in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. There were also pleas for bail citing health concerns for some of the accused

Despite the granting of bail, the legal proceedings against Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, and Abdullahi Fasasi are ongoing, with the state government insisting on a thorough prosecution of those involved in the incident. The defendants are expected to face trial for the charges laid against them.